Kawhi Leonard signed with the Toronto Raptors for 2 years, $115.

Kawai Leonard signs with Toronto Raptors for 2 years, $115

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News.

Background

Kawhi Leonard has made significant contributions to the team since joining the Raptors in 2018. Now, his contract extension makes it clear that he wants to remain with the Raptors even after returning to his homeland. This move indicates a new direction in the next phase of his career.

Why it matters

Kawhi Leonard's contract extension with the Toronto Raptors shows his commitment to the team. This decision is important for the NBA club, as Leonard's performance was excellent last season, in which he averaged 27.9 points per game. His return will strengthen the Raptors' team and will positively impact their season outlook.

Key Points

• Kawhi Leonard signed with Toronto Raptors for 2 years, $115.
• Kawhi Leonard has signed a 2-year contract extension with the Toronto Raptors, making his commitment to the team clear..
• Kawhi Leonard to sign 2-year, $115 million contract extension with Raptors - The Athletic.

Kawhi Leonard recently signed a two-year contract extension with the Toronto Raptors, worth a total of $115 million. This move is an important decision for Leonard, especially since he returned to Toronto from the LA Clippers. He decided that he would remain with the Raptors without playing a game this time compared to last year.

Leonard's new contract, which also includes a player option for the 2028-29 season, is about $11 million less than the maximum he could have received. This contract brings him similar to the contract timeline of his teammate Immanuel Quickley and puts him one year behind Scottie Barnes. Leonard was in the final year of a three-year, $149.5 million contract he signed with the Clippers through January 2024.

Although injuries hampered Leonard's time with the Clippers, he averaged 27.9 points per game last season, the highest-scoring season of his 14-year career. He played in 65 games, earned a spot on the All-NBA Second Team, and finished seventh in MVP voting.

Leonard recently talked about his joy in returning to the Raptors, which further solidifies his commitment. The Raptors first acquired Leonard from the San Antonio Spurs in 2018, when he had just one year left on his contract. He then expressed his desire to return to his homeland Southern California. The Raptors hoped to convince him to make a long-term commitment, and they took care of a championship season as well as his long-term health.

However, Leonard chose the Clippers. Now he's committing to the Raptors, even though the team's ownership structure, top basketball decision-makers, head coach and entire roster have changed. The Raptors re-acquired Leonard this summer in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Grady Dick, two first-round draft picks, a first-round picks swap, and two second-round picks. The deal was agreed upon on June 30 but the Raptors put the trade on hold until the NBA concluded its investigation into the Clippers' salary-cap avoidance.

The NBA ultimately announced wide-ranging penalties against the Clippers, including damages for five first-round draft picks, a $30 million fine, and suspensions for owner Steve Ballmer, president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank and president of business operations Gillian Zucker. Leonard was also fined $700,000 for his role. Dennis Robertson, Leonard's uncle and former business manager, was banned from doing business with NBA teams for five years. The Clippers and Raptors finalized the trade of Leonard 12 days later.

What will happen next

Leonard's new contract is part of a long-term plan for the Raptors, which will provide stability to the team in the future. The following season, the team's chances of success would increase with Leonard and teammate Immanuel Quickley. Additionally, Scottie Barnes' development journey could also benefit from Leonard's experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many years has Kawhi Leonard signed a contract extension with the Toronto Raptors?

Kawhi Leonard has signed a 2-year contract extension with the Toronto Raptors.

How much is Kawhi Leonard's new contract worth?

Kawhi Leonard's new contract is worth $115 million.

What was Leonard's average score last season?

Leonard averaged 27.9 points per game last season.

How does Kawhi Leonard's contract relate to his teammate Immanuel Quickley's contract with the Raptors?

Leonard's new contract Immanuel Quickley's contract timeline

Brings like water.

What has Kawhi Leonard said on returning to the Raptors?

Leonard has talked about his joy in returning to the Raptors, which has further strengthened his commitment.

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